Special Sections Feb. 26, 2014 | Page 41

Progress — 2014 Page 41 Collaborative planning efforts drive Three Lakes School District ___________ BY DR. GEORGE KARLING DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR THREE LAKES SCHOOL DISTRICT ___________ In December of 2013, the Wisconsin Taxpayer’s Alliance announced a list of the 25 lowest taxing K-12 school districts in Wisconsin. Once again, the Three Lakes School District was listed among the lowest, being the seventh lowest taxing K-12 district in the state. Although the district’s tax rate is among the lowest in the state, district achievement levels continue to rise. The district’s 2013 composite ACT score of 22.8 was among the highest in the state and was also among the highest of all 18 high schools in the CESA 9 (Cooperative Education Service Agency) northern region. The board and administration attribute this success to programs developed with the collaborative planning efforts of the school board, administration, teaching staff and students in the district. School/community relations The school board, administration, faculty, staff and students continue to seek new avenues for community involvement in the schools in order to strengthen community ties and enable all taxpayers to utilize district resources to their fullest. The district believes that the level of community support, and support from families outside the district, is a good indication that the district is continuing to provide “personal education and lifetime inspiration” that meets the needs of all students. In addition to community support, the district also enjoys a healthy influx of open enrollment students. At present, more than 11% of the district’s entire population comes from outside the district. This is further evidence that parents outside the Three Lakes School District realize that we are continuing to ensu ɔ